The 8th edition of the SKECHERS PERFORMANCE GOA RIVER MARATHON was be held on Sunday 10th December 2017. USA based high performance sports brand, Skechers Performance have signed up to be the the Title sponsor of the event for the next five years.

With record 5,000 all India and International participants coming in for the Full Marathon,Half Marathon and 10 km events the organizers have decided to close registrations early for these events.

Only registrations for the 5KM FUN WALK RUN was in progress at the 2 day fitness expo at the Chicalim SAG Grounds and about 1,500 participated in this event. Various sports brands had set up shop at the venue for participants to browse and buy running, cycling and triathlon apparel and gear.

Among the participants were 15 visually impaired who came all the way from Pune, to run in the 10 km and 21 km run.

Participants from 16 different countries too had arrived to get acclimatized to the Goan weather conditions and are surveying the scenic yet tough route that awaits them along the Zuari river.

2017: Skechers Performance Goa River Marathon Promo Run

SKECHERS PERFORMANCE GOA RIVER MARATHON (SPGRM) PROMOTIONAL RUN.

The promotion of the 8th edition of the SPGRM kick started in Goa, on Sunday 26th November. Nearly 450 eager Goan runners lined up at 0600 am to run the Full Marathon,Half Marathon and 10km. There were many trying the to do the 5km run walk event for the first time.

The main event SKECHERS PERFORMANCE GOA RIVER MARATHON is scheduled to be held on Sunday 10th December 2017.

With nearly 4,000 online registrations from all India and International participants coming in for the all competitive events, the organisers have decided to close registrations on 30th of November.

A high quality dry fit TShirt was unveiled by Nitin Bandekar president of Vasco Sports Club.

Skechers, the American performance and lifestyle footwear brand return as the title sponsor of Skechers Performance Goa River Marathon (GRM), one of the top 5 marathons of India organised by Vasco Sports Club. This is the 8th edition of the 42 Kilometre run in paradise along the pristine blue waters of the Zuari River.

Skechers Performance Goa River Marathon is held every year in the second week of December and this year's event will be held on 10th December.

L-R: Nitin Bandekar, Kavita Raut, Suresh Raina and Soumen Das
Commenting on Skechers Performance's partnership with Skechers Performance Goa River Marathon, Rahul Vira, Chief Executive Office, Skechers India said, "We are happy to partner with the Skechers Performance Goa River Marathon 2017.Our collaboration demonstrates our dedication to the runners of all the levels, ranging from beginners in the sports to the elite athletes. With the 5th year milestone of our journey in India, we will continue being committed to the 'Strive to Achieve' attitude by bringing in a new range of shoes that will inspire and help athletes experience running and walking in all its forms".

Kavita Tungar, Skechers Elite Athlete said "Being associated with Skechers performance has always been a rewarding experience. The brand has always helped me to elevate my performance by bringing in the best running shoes which really make a difference to my game. It is important to be on top of my game, with the Skechers Performance Goa River Marathon has now become a global platform for all the professional athletes for long distance event."

‘Skechers Performance' Goa River Marathon (SPGRM), one of the top 5 marathons of India organised by Vasco Sports Club, 42 Kilometre-run will be held on December 10. This will be the 8th edition of GRM.

Kavita Tungar, Skechers Elite Athlete said: "Being associated with Skechers performance has always been a rewarding experience. The brand has always helped me to elevate my performance by bringing in the best running shoes which really make a difference to my game. It is important to be on top of my game, with the Skechers Performance Goa River Marathon has now become a global platform for all the professional athletes for long distance event."

Commenting on Skechers Performance's partnership with Skechers Performance Goa River Marathon, Rahul Vira, Chief Executive Office, Skechers India said, "We are happy to partner with the Skechers Performance Goa River Marathon 2017. Our collaboration demonstrates our dedication to the runners of all the levels, ranging from beginners in the sports to the elite athletes. With the 5th year milestone of our journey in India we will continue being committed to the ‘Strive to Achieve' attitude by bringing in new range of shoes that will inspire and help athletes experience running and walking in all its forms".

2017: 500 Participate in First Promo Run of 2017

A total of 500 runners took part in the promotional run for the 2017 Goa River Marathon (GRM) held at Verna, IDC office compound premises.

The run was held on 03-Sep-2017 - a Sunday and it received a very enthusiastic response from runners in Goa and clubs such as Fitness Freaks, Mapusa.

The promo-run was held for distances of 5km, 10km, 16km and 25km besides a 5KM walk.

2017: Coach to 10K FREE Professional Training

Goa River Marathon (Grm) has designed a programme to train aspiring runners to get from zero fitness to 10 Kilometer running.

Anyone can do it even if they have done little or no running since school. Aspiring runners will learn running techniques and be able to reach the 10K finish line if they follow the program week by week.

In fact, they will be able to enter 10K runs at popular running events including Goa River Marathon.

The training will be conducted by experts who have each run dozzens of marathons competitively. No pressure! Professionals will take it slow and easy with attention to each intending runner.

No age bar, no gender bar! From a medical and physical point of view, aspiring runners should be able to run - that is all.

2016: A "How to" training workshop

'Transition' A "How to" training workshop to help half marathoners migrate to full marathon and, "Women and running - Moms can run too" was held at Dr Ozler Forum, Vasco, Goa.

The sessions were conducted by Sunil & Sangeeta Shetty who have been running for 14 years and are well known in the country for Ultra distance running. They have run distances like 75,000 Km, 100,000 Km, 12-Hour races, 24-hour rces and recently, even a 36-hour race. Most of the time they end up on the podium in whichever race they participate. Their names also figure in the Limca Book of Records.

2016: 2nd Promo Run - Ravindra Bhavan, Curchorem, South Goa.

Despite very heavy rains on 28th Aug, Goa River Marathon and NEB Sports were surprised by the 400 participants that turned up at the event venue. Additionally FREE transport was arranged from Margao and Ponda to Ravindra Bhavan, Curchorem in South Goa.

Given that most were first time runners, the promo began with a Zumba session i.e. exercise to loosen up the limbs and prepare for a run. T-Shirts were distributed and running techniques discussed and then the run began. This promo run had a lot of very young boys from a local school and they not only ran the entire distance with ease they even had a lot of energy left over. Goa River Marathon is definitely eager to see these boys get professionally trained to be future marathon runners. This promo run also saw several father-son, father-daughter and even one whole family of runners. The future definitely looks bright.

The promo ended with a hearty breakfast that everyone enjoyed and carried home long-lasting memories.

Goa River Marathon inaugurated the 2016 sports season with a grand spectacle in the form of a promo organized by Goa River Marathon and NEB Sports at the Gasper Dias Club, Miramar, Panaji, Goa. Over 500 participated and were presented with FREE T-shirts and a hearty breakfast.

The promo run began with an exercise session on how to loosen up the limbs and prepare for a run. As usual, the event organisers were on the lookout for prospective marathon runners who will trained by top marathon and fitness experts at the workshops being conducted regularly.

Given that over 500 participated and that there was a lot of interaction between the participants and the organisers, the event was a grand success.

2016: Vasco Sports Club Partners with NEB Sports, Bangalore

NEB Sports brings to the table years of experience and expertise in organizing high-profile, high-impact sporting activities through out India. Through this partnership it is hoped that the uniquely positioned Goa River Marathon will be more visible, more innovative and offer higher prize money in the years ahead.

Goa Going Pink is a Women's Only Run for Women's Health and Breast Cancer Awareness under the umbrella of India Going Pink (www.indiagoingpink.com).

India Going Pink is a concept initiated by United Sister's Foundation, which conducts Pinkathon (www.pinkathon.in), a Women's 10k Run for Breast Cancer Awareness.

Goa Going Pink is a model run under Pinkathon's umbrella to take the awareness to all the other cities and towns in India to make women adopt healthier lifestyles and have a positive attitude towards life.

MiracleMunj and Vasco Sports Club conduced this run in association with United Sisters Foundation (USF), an NGO working for empowering Women through fitness initiatives, and the organiser of the Pinkathon, India's biggest women's run, the concept of Pinkathon and India. The first edition in Goa was held at the Indoor Sports Complex, Panaji on Sunday, April 17th, 2016.

The Goa River Marathon has successfully conducted 6 marathon events. The 6th was conducted in Dec 2015 and we saw participants from 22 countries. This year we introduced the full marathon i.e. 42KM. Additionally, all our routes were certified by Association of International Marathon and Distance Races (AIMS).

Nitin Bandekar, President of Vasco Sports Club, organizers of Skechers Goa River Marathon 2015 said, "I am happy to share that this year we have touched 3000 registrations for the half marathon and 10km run in the competitive section with 4000 entries in the 5Km charity run. Participants from 22 different countries had registered which included 18 Ethiopians and Kenyans. We even had a contingent of 12 top class runners from Ladakh who had to get acclimatized to the humid conditions in Goa. This year we had over 7,000 participants."

Spearheading technology innovations Rakesh Unny secretary, Vasco Sports Club revealed that "a new mobile App has been developed by our timing partners, 'Timing Technologies' from Hyderabad and introduced for the first time ever in the country at GRM 2015. Simply by typing the bib number anyone could track the particpants progress during the event.
It can be downloaded for free from Google Play."

Additionally and for the first time, Grm 2015 also witnessed the introduction of OCR based technology to help identify runners bib numbers on the photographs. Participants could visit the website and search for their photographs by simply entering their bib number.

The 6th edition of Grm saw Goa's Chief Minister Shri Laxmikant Parsekar visit the Grm Venue. He congratulated the organizers of Goa River Marathon and hoped for even better participation numbers in the years ahead.

Grm today announced that they would be organizing a second practice run-cum-registration drive on November 29, starting at Miramar circle, Panjim at 6 a.m.

In an effort to encourage more local participation, special discount will be offered for Goan participants at the Goa River Marathon event to be held on 13th Dec, 2015

2015: Goa River Marathon practice run draws good response!

The Goa River Marathon practice run was flagged off on Sunday from SAG ground, Chicalim at 6 a.m, which drew good response from local enthusiasts, many of whom being women.

The organisers have also announced a similar practise run and registration drive on November 29, starting at Miramar circle, Panjim at 6 a.m. A special discount for Goan participants is being offered in an effort to encourage more local participation.

The National and International registrations for the sixth edition of Goa River Marathon touch over 2000 and countdown to December 13 is on. With the GRM now being an IAAF approved route for their international events, this year Goa will truly be hosting a world class event in long distance running.

Other than the usual 5km charity fun walk run, 10km and half marathon, this year will also have the full marathon of 42.2 kms.

Secretary of Vasco Sports Club Rakesh Unny informed, "We are pleasantly surprised with the national participant registration numbers, especially when so many running events are happening around the same day at Mumbai, Bangalore and Chennai. This is testimony to us that GRM has only grown in its reputation and stature over the years and among the marathon community in India. It was a delight today to see so many women and first time participants. Rightly so, as GRM is the only event in the country which gives equal prize money in every category for men and women."

2015: Grm practice run - 22-Nov-2015

Goa River Marathon Organizing team today announced that it was conducting a practice run on Sunday, 22nd November.

The practice run will start from the actual starting point i.e. Chicalim SAG Ground, Airport Road, and be run along the actual route along the Zuari River. The run will commence at 0600 Hrs.

All interested are requested to be present at the venue 15 minutes ahead of start time. No registration required for practice run.

2015: Grm announces availability of forms for the Fun Walk-Run event

Grm is pleased to inform that printed forms for the Fun Walk-Run event are available at the following locations in Goa:

Panjim: Carasid - Miramar Road

Panjim: Levis Store - MG Road - below Cafe Coffee Day

Margao: Borkars Super Store - Fatorda

Ponda: Borkars Super Store

Ponda: Naland Book store

Vasco: Vasco Sports club - Near Tilka Maidan

2015: Grm Hero features in newspaper

Dinesh Heda is a chartered accountant and financial consultant by profession, but a runner by passion. An ultra marathon runner, he has completed marathons from Vasco to Miramar, while the routes from Vasco to Bogmalo and Vasco to Hollant are now a piece of cake for him.

Over the years Dinesh has participated in 18 half marathons and 8 full marathons including the Bangalore Ultra 75 Km trail where he was the first runner up and was part of the Satara Hill Marathon 2015 pacing team.

Please click the link below to read the full article published in OHeraldo - Goa's leading daily newspaper.

The guest speakers were Shri P. Venkatraman who presented an inspiring kinesiology demonstration - a study on how the body moves.

In this workshop he Explained the basics of the science of Kinesiology. Participants understood how a sedentary lifestyle is compromising their body movements and how this leads to injuries and reduced performance.

He helped participants evaluate their own bodies against certain established standards of performance such as balance, range of motion, strength, posture etc. He also indicated corrective measures to reduce risk of injuries and improve performance.

The other speaker was sports personality and training guru, Daniel Vaz who talked on "Energy systems during endurance running".

The workshop began at 7 am and ended at 11:30. Stay tuned for more such workshops.

2015: Full, Half and 10KM Competitive run routes now certified.

In an effort to ensure accuracy of the distance being run, Goa River Marathon organizers have got the full marathon, half marathon and competitive run routes certified by Association of International Marathon and Distance Races (AIMS). The certificate nos are:

Certificate No. IND2015/040 dated 06-Jul-2015 valid up to 31-Dec-2019 for the 41.195 KM Route
Certificate No. IND2015/041 dated 06-Jul-2015 valid up to 31-Dec-2019 for the 10KM Route
Certificate No. IND2015/042 dated 06-Jul-2015 valid up to 31-Dec-2019 for the 10KM Route

2015: 1st Marathon Training Workshop

Every year Goa River Marathon (an event organized by Vasco Sports Club of Vasco da Gama, Goa), tries to inculcate the spirit of running and physical fitness amongst Goans. Towards this end and in preparation of the Goa River Marathon; an annual event held in December each year, this year too Goa River Marathon is association with Workhardt Hospitals organized a marathon training workshop.

This marathon training workshop was held on July-05-2015 at the Internation Center at Dona Paula, Goa. The half-day workshop which began with an intense yoga session by Shammi Gupta - Yoga coach; was followed by a series of talks held by a panel of sports and nutrition experts which this year, included Harpreet Pasricha - celebrity dietician.

Harpreet Pasricha talk and advice on Marathon nutrition was very well received. There was also celebrity marathon and endurance training coach Norrie Williamson - coach at Coachnorie, South Africa. He covered the basics of training for long distance running and other endurance sports.

The number of runners especially marathon runners has slowly and steadily increased. Vasco Sports Club now has a sizeable group of people who have included running as part of their daily activities.

This year and for the first time, Goa River Marathon will include the full marathon - a grueling 42 KM run for which, a large number of the local runners are more than prepared. The Goa River Marathon will happen on July 13th, 2015. It has been rated as the 5th best in India and 1st most entertaining marathon in India.

2015: Talk on "Marathon Nutrition Wisdom"

A half-day Marathon training workshop was conducted by Vasco Sports Club under the banner of Goa River Marathon at the International Center at Donapaula on Sunday 5th, July, 2015.

Celebrity nutritionist Harpreet Pasricha presented a talk on 'Marathon nutrition wisdom - art of eating right for runners. She imparted wisdom on how eating power foods like cottage cheese, walnuts, flax-seed and drinking beetroot juice and coconut water provided more than ample power for marathon runners. Participants were advised not to have cheat meals on long run day and rather work on recovering with nutritious foods. She also explained the importance of vitamin B12 for runners and how the deficiency can affect the run time.

The half-day marathon training workshop also had celebrity Yoga guru Shammi Gupta and also long distance endurance running coach from South Africa; Norrie Williamson. It was a very fruitful half-day for the participants who appreciated the efforts being put in by the organizers of the Goa River Marathon.

2014: Goa River Marathon - Report

The Goa River Marathon is a 21 Km half-marathon and a 5 Km mini 'walk-run' event held near Vasco da Gama, the port city in the beautiful State of Goa, India. The typical city-village scene, large enthusiastic crowds, party atmosphere and 100 Kms of un-spoilt Goan beaches appeal to all the first-timers.

The main event is a 21.1 kilometer half marathon and this saw participants from all over the World. Ethiopian runners Nindake Bejiga and Hurisa Askale Jena clinched first places in men’s and women’s categories respectively in the Half Marathon (21.1 kilometer) of the Skechers Goa River Marathon 2014, held in Vasco da Gama on Sunday, December 14, 2014.

The main event i.e. the 21.1 KM run of Goa River Marathon 2014 was flagged off by R Venkat of Skechers. The 10 kilometer competitive run was flagged off by Power Minister Milind Naik, while Vasco Sports Club president Nitin Bandekar flagged off corporate relay.

As you run the first leg of your 21 kilometer route, on the left you will see the calm, beautiful and soothing waters of the Zuari river. You will see the occasional fishing boat with a man or two in them waiting patiently for the fish as if frozen in time. You see this against the backdrop of the beautiful St. Jacinto Island and you'd be forgiven for thinking that there is truly no better or a more beautiful route for a marathon.

The route takes you to picturesque St. Jacinto Island and then back along the same route. The main event also has a special "Veterans" and “Super Veterans” category for both genders. There are cash prizes for all categories.

The Community Fun Run: This is a just-for-fun non-competitive event where participants can walk or run. The idea is to just reach the finish line in the spirit of participation. Although the walk is non-competitive, prize would be awarded for best costume, best theme group, oldest participant and so on.

Along the way the route takes in many of the city's sights passing through house clusters, the beach front, the local commercial and market areas. The port town of Vasco da Gama is 5 to 15 minutes drive from three beaches, namely, Baina, Bogmalo and Velsao. There are also plenty of accommodation options ranging from 5-Star to budget hotels.

2014: Press Conference for the 5th Goa River Marathon

Elite athletes from Ethopia, Kenya, France and Equador including last year’s winner Daniel Cheruiyot, 2012 women’s champion Virginia Njeri and 2011 men’s winner Hillary Kipproto along with thousands of runners across the world will participate in the 5th Goa River Marathon, organised by Vasco Sports Club and sponsored by Sketchers, which will be held in Vasco on December 14, 2014.

Addressing the presspersons during the launch of Skechers Goa River Marathon (GRM 2014) Anthem here on Tuesday, Vasco Sports Club president Nitin Bandekar said: “My main aim is to bring maximum number of runners from across and India and abroad and make long distance running a more popular sport in the state.”

Giving the details about the response the GRM 2014 has received so far, he said: “This year has seen registrations from national and international participants with 1,400 entries for the half marathon, 500 entries for the 10km run and 12 team entries for the Corporate Relay.”

“Total cash prizes worth Rs 6 lakh will be given to runners in the competitive event.” he added.

Besides the main events, about 4,000 people have already registered to participate in the Charity Fun Walk-Run whose proceeds will be shared between charities — COOJ A (socio rehabilitation for mentally ill adults), Muskaan (a support group for cancer survivors and patients) and Ashadeep (a new dawn school for the challenged).

Half Marathon will start at 6 am, 10km Marathon at 6.30 am, Corporate Relay at 6.45 am and 5km Charity Fun Walk Run will start at 9 am. All the races will start and end at Baina Beach in Vasco.

The marathon’s theme song composed by Piyush Soni and titled ‘Keep Pushing On — It’s Your Run’, was also released during the press conference.

2014: Goa River Marathon Workshop

Vasco Sports Club in association with Workhardt Hospitals organised a Marathon Training Workshop today, which was largely attended by motivated runners, from all over Goa. Led by renowned Sports Scientist - Shayamal Vallabjee and Life Coach – Dr. Purnendu Nath.

Goa River Marathon, a highly popular running event is organised by Vasco Sports Club – one of India's oldest sports club. The Goa River Marathon has witnessing near 100% growth year on year.

During the marathon workshop, Sports Scientist - Shayamal Vallabjee said” The human body is a very resilient structure, start running and training with your goal in mind, pay
attention to nutrition, run downhill, do hamstring exercises, eat a high carbohydrates diet and sleep well, you must also focus on body recovery”. He showed some simple exercises to help the runners train better.

Life Coach – Dr. Purnendu Nath said ”keep a running log, use data to reach your goal and run, don’t wait for right weather, right shoes, right juice etc, it’s a great fitness and lifestyle change, the best investment you can do for your body is invest in your health”. He too demonstrated simple techniques to help the runners train better.

Vasco Sports Club President Nitin Bandekar said “Our goal is to inspire, celebrate and educate the community with a healthy lifestyle through this easily accessible sport – running. In keeping with its vision of sharing a beautiful pollution free and picturesque route for runners all over India and making long distance running a more popular sport in Goa. The Club has been instrumental in creating a running culture across Goa. We want people to develop a healthy lifestyle through running and feel the excitement and fulfillment of crossing the finish line. Self-help running groups have been assigned across the state to help individuals prepare for the upcoming event”.

Dinesh Heda who started as walker in 2010 has yesterday completed the Bangalore Ultra 75 kms Trail which starts at 5.00 a.m. Dinesh Heda was the 1st runner up in the Bangalore Ultra 75 kms.

Recognised as India's most entertaining marathon, the Goa River Marathon has been attracting over thousands of participants. A Group popularly known as the "SUSSEGADO RUNNERS", has been teaming up thrice a week to conduct practice running sessions at Mapusa, Panaji, Madgaon and Vasco. This 60-Day preparation will continue until the final race day and is aimed at helping individuals shape up for the event.

2013: Goa River Marathon - Report

Already one of the top 5 marathon events in India, the Goa River Marathon 2013 has been attracting participants from India and all over the World. Vasco Sports Club the organizers of Goa River Marathon, held the event on 8th Dec 2013.

This year too the run began from Baina beach and proceeded through the sleepy port town of Vasco da Gama and then onto the scenic route that runs besides the Zuari river (hence the name ‘Goa River Marathon’).

There were four categories as part of the main event; 21 km Half Marathon, 10 km Competitive Run, 5 Km Family Run & the 5×4 km Corporate Relay.

What is not widely known is that Goa River Marathon is that apart from sports, Vasco Sports Club through Goa River Marathon, has been at the forefront of charitable activities too. The proceeds of the Fun Walk Run event go to various charitable institutions like ‘Cause of Our Joy’ (a Psycho- Social Rehabilitation Centre), ‘Ashadeep New Dawn’ - School for the differently abled and ‘Muskaan’ - Support Group for cancer patients.

Under the banner of Goa River Marathon, Vasco Sports Club organises several Marathon workshops. These are specifically meant for new aspirants wanting to begin running for sport or running for health. In fact, one marathon training workshop was held recently in which 3 top fitness instructors - Dr. Aashish Contractor (Head of Preventive Cardiology, Asian Heart Hospital ), Daniel Vaz, Coach Nike Running Club (Certified Strength & Conditioning Specialist, Fitness Professional Sports conditioning & Nutritionist from American College of Exercise) & Mr. P. Venkataraman were there to coach the new aspirants.

To generate interest in running, Vasco Sports Club under the banner of Goa River Marathon, hosted the premiere of ‘BHAAG MILKA BHAAG’. While the proceeds of the show went for charity, the people were reminded that it is never too late to start running and that there were several opportunities to do so right here in Goa.

The Endeavour of Vasco Sports Club has always been to spread the message of health through their various initiatives. In fact, it’s success can be gauged from the fact that several other sporting organizations, sports clubs and running groups have started their own marathon runs with various themes. The end result is better health and fitness for everyone.

2013: Goa River Marathon Training Workshop

The workshop was conducted by the Vasco Sports Club who are the organizers of the famous Goa River Marathon. The Marathon Training Workshop was conducted with the help of top trainers from around the country to help participants understand and use the scientific and practical aspects to train and run in their personal best time!

The Goa River Marathon Training Workshop was held at Institute Menezes Braganza Hall, Panaji, Goa on 18th August 2013.

The key take aways were:

How to evaluate your fitness levels

How to devise your training plan accordingly

Ways to monitor and Motivate your training

Tailor a nutrition regimen for yourself

Advice on hydration techniques during the race

Advice on appropriate clothing and footwear

There were three professional sports trainers at the Goa River Marathon Training Workshop; Dr. Aashish Contractor, Mr. Daniel Vaz and Mr. P. Venkatraman.

Dr. Aashish is the Head of Department of Preventive Cardiology and Rehabilitation
at the Asian Heart Institute and the Medical Director of the Standard Chartered
Mumbai Marathon.

He is certified as ACSM Clinical Exercise Specialist (in 1998). He is involved with
the ACSM since 1996 and organized the first ever ACSM Workshop and
Certification in India, in the year 2003 (in Mumbai). He has written chapters in
ACSM publications as well as reviewed several ACSM publicafions, including the
8th edition of the Guidelines for Exercise Testing and Prescription.

Mr. Daniel Vaz is one of the premier running coaches in Mumbai, having trained hundreds of Mumbaikars to successfully complete the half and full marathon. He is the coach for the Nike Run Club, and the Colgate-Palmolive Runners Club. He also contributes regular articles on 'Distance Learning' for Runners For Life.

Daniel has been certified by ACE as a Certified Group Fitness Instructor, and has
several workshops. including Framework - 7 steps to healthy muscles. bones and
joints; Nutrition Strategies for Fitness and is a Core Training Specialist from ACE.

Mr. P. Venkatraman a Mumbai-based Chartered Accountant, is a seasoned runner and has been ninning the SCMM Half Marathons for many years now.

He has been training teams for the last several years in his various offices as well
as cardiac patients. Together with the Asian Heart Institute he has launched
India's first and World's largest Sweat Rate study with a view to resolve the
hydration conundrum for Indian runners. His latest initiative YouTooCanRun is
aimed to promote running as a means to good health.

2012: Goa River Marathon - Report

Though, soccer is a passion in Goa, come December, it was the Goa River Marathon that hogged the limelight. Newspapers, local magazine and even the radio was full about Goa River Marathon. There were health programes and articles, sports gurus urged the youth and adults alike to take up running for sport and health. They explained how a half-marathon and full marathon are run, the kind of training required, nutrition, fitness and so forth. In fact, it was dubbed health festival by the Goa River Marathon sponsor Narayan Bandekar and a second carnival by Vasco legislator Carlos Almeida, the Goa River Marathon held on December 9, had athletes from the state, India and foreign countries too.

The hosts Vasco Sport Club managed to nearly double the participation figures and “for the first time, three Kenyan woman athletes participated”, said confident Rakesh Unny, the convener of Goa River Marathon. The Fun Walk Run too saw the number of participants swell to the extet that the entire road leading from Baina beach to the port city of Vasco da Gama was full with people of all ages walking briskly in the spirit of the event.

The biggest achievement of Goa River Marathon was that it is now rated as the fifth best marathon in India. “5th? We are going to the best in the years ahead – just wait and watch” thundered Abhijeet Salkar one of the organizers. Running enthusiasts from countries like Ghana, Kenya, France, China, Britain, Argentina, Canada, Australia, US, Singapore, Germany and Kazakhstan participated in the Goa River Marathon 2012.

The scenic route of the Goa River Marathon which began at Baina beach and meandered through the city of Vasco Da Gama before continuing along the Zuari river – a route much appreciated by the participants but just for the scenery but also the tree lined canopy.

Elaborating on the smooth functioning of the race Unny said that “300 volunteers from colleges, clubs, members of Village Panchayat of Chicalim and Mormugao Municipal Council were there to assist the runners and the organizers.

Timing Technologies India (TTI), the Indian company used for marathons across the globe provided the timing chips.

The cash prizes were bigger and there were more categories than previous years. All in all, this was yet another successful marathon.

2012: Workshop: Art and Science of Marathon Training

Vasco Sports Club, organizers of Goa River Marathon in association with NRB Group, Vasco, Zuari Industries Ltd, Sports Authorities of Goa and Puma, organized a "Art and Science of Marathon Training" - a scientific workshop designed to successfully train your clients for participating in marathons.

The half-day training workshop was held at Kala Academy Goa on Oct-12-2012. The workshop itself was conducted by 'Excercise Science Academy, (the only official center for American College of Sports Medicine). The sports experts who conducted the worksop were 1. Daniel Vaz - a certified group fitness instructor and one of the top running coaches in Mumbai. He is the coach for Nike Run Club and the Colgate-Palmolive Runners Club.

The other sports expert was P. Venkatraman, a seasoned runner who has been training teams for the last several years. Together with Asian Heart Institute, he has launched India's first and World's largest Sweat Rate study. His latest initiative YouTooCanRun is aimed at promoting running as a means to good health.

The workshop was held for fitness professionals who would be training clients to participate in the half and full marathons and; regular runners who wish to train better and improve their performance.

At the end of the Goa River Marathon 2012 workshop, participants were able to:

1. Evaluate a runner and decide on their fitness to participate in distance running

3. Device a personalized plan for your client depending on their health and fitness status

4. Monitor and motivate the client to achieve the goal.

5.Tailor a nutrition regimen appropriate for the client

6. Advice the client on appropriate hydration technique during the race

7. Advice on appropriate clothing and footwear

8. Advice on training tools such as Heart Rate Monitors.

2012: Special Training Drill

A special training drill for all marathon participants at the Goa River Marathon was conducted by DANIEL VAZ at the SAG ground, Airport Road, GOA on 10TH NOV AT 5 PM.

The training was organized by Vasco Sports Club, organizers of Goa River Marathon.

All beginners, intermediate and veteran runner were invited to avail this opportunity. The training session focused on a two very important components of Endurance and Strength namely; Plyometric Training and a workout called Tabata Intervals.

Plyometric Training focuses on development of power. While we are able to exert force and display strength, running requires power and not just strength. Physics describes power as Force times velocity. It is precisely this aspect that we will use to show how power can be developed in the Achilles Tendon; a prime mover for propelling a runner forward and adding speed.

Tabata Intervals are a form of high intensity interval training meant to train the body' anaerobic as well as aerobic system. These are a series of strength and aerobic exercises that are done in a defined time interval with little to no rest.

Marathon participants in large numbers availed this golden opportunity to improve their performance.

~A Goa River Marathon Initiative

2011: Goa River Marathon - Report

Riding high on the success of the first-ever Goa River Marathon held in 2010, Vasco Sports Club in association with title sponsors NRB Group, Zuari Industries Ltd, and co-sponsors Sports Authority of Goa (SAG) organized the second edition of Goa River Marathon on December 11, 2011. As before, it was flagged off from Baina beach at 6:00 a.m.

This year saw participants from as far as Ghanians, Kenyans, France, US, Japan and Vienna. The theme for the event was ‘Run for Green Goa’.

The Goa River Marathon 2011 had three main events; the 21km Half Marathon, the Corporate Relay Run and the 5km Fun Walk Run. The total prize money for Goa River Marathon 2011 was over Indian Rupees Six Hundred Thousand.

This year too the run was along the scenic path by the riverfront past the picturesque St Jacinto Island, up to Marman Shipyard and back along the same route. Athletes, serious runners and fitness enthusiasts from all over the country and abroad participated.

The Goa River Marathon 2011 organizers were happy to see Sujoy Thomas - winner of Mysore marathon and twice runner-up at the Standard Chartered Bank marathon; along with Natasha Ramnathan from the Bangalore Ultra marathon. There were also veterans Sreenath S and Suresh Sheshadri.

Officials and members of the Vasco Sports Club who are the organizers of Goa River Marathon were present in large numbers. Their president, Mr Nitin Bandekar of the NRB Group, who are one of the major sponsors and supporters of this novel event, stated that plans were afoot to convert the half marathon into a full 42km even in the years ahead.

Mr Bandekar thanked the SAG executive director Mr V M Prabhudessai for extending SAG’s support for the Goa River Marathon. Mr Prabhudessai in turn vouched total support for the marathon event and acknowledged the inclusion of this event into the Goan calendar for brining athletes, corporate and enthusiasts under one roof.

Among the main highlights of this year’s edition of the Goa River Marathon was Bollywood celebrity actress Gul Panag who had also ran in the race last year. Live music before the event, cheerleaders and music along the route were some of the unique features of the Goa River Marathon 2011. Aid stations, refreshments, medical and emergency services were made available.

It was decided that the proceeds of the Goa River Marathon 2011 5km fun walk run will be divided between two charities; ‘New Dawn Ashadeep Special School’, Sada, Vasco and ’COOJ Mental Health Foundation’, Chicalim, Vasco.

Support and encouragement for the event also poured in from politicians as well with Deputy Speaker, Mr Mauvin Godinho and Mormugao MLA, Mr Milind Naik.

2010: Goa River Marathon - Report

Vasco Sports Club organized a Goa River Marathon held on 19th Dec. 2010. Participants from as far as Kenya and U.K. and within India from Chennai to Delhi participated in this highly successful 21 Km Half-marathon event.

The locals turned out in droves to not only support the marathon runners but also participate in the 5 km fun walk-run that started from Baina beach and reached the half way mark at St. Andrews Church located near the entrance to Vasco Da Gama. Even the armchair fan were delighted with the mini 5 Km fun walk-run.

It was a proud moment for the locals who watched in awe as the Africans ran past them as graceful and it seemed, as fast as the Gazelle. Seeing the effect the runners had on the locals, the organizers i.e. Vasco Sports Club hoped that in the months ahead there would be many locals wanting to take up running.

Baina beach was the starting point of the race and it meandered through the small sleepy city of Vasco da Gama. The marathon runners continued past the city and after running up a small hill, were treated to the most beautiful part of their run - a tree covered road right besides a beautiful, unpolluted, blue-green river. It made running for the sport and competition so much more pleasurable.

Unlikely as it would be for any runner to miss the beautiful scenery, they certainly did not miss the live bands and enthusiastic locals along the road. Yes, you read that right - there were several live bands belting out songs and music along the marathon route. No wonder then the participants swore they would return the next year. Some of the participants claimed they found the entire route and music so enchanting they almost forgot they were running.

"Runners for life", a Bangalore based experienced recreation company has been appointed as technical consultants for this event.

There were cash awards not just for the marathoners but also for best theme group, best costume, oldest participant in the 5 km walk and so on.

The success of the Goa River Marathon; first ever Marathon event in Goa, forced everyone including happily the politicians, to sit up and take notice. Voices of support were heard and promises made. Sure there were kinks but Vasco Sports Club knew what they were and how to iron them out. The next year’s Goa River Marathon they knew, would have to be bigger and better.